ANGELS NOTEBOOK: Anaheim is latest stop for Chris Nelson

For almost nine years the Colorado Rockies were the only organization Nelson knew, beginning the day he was drafted ninth overall in 2004 and ending when he was traded to the New York Yankees on May 1. After playing 10 games for the Yankees, Nelson was designated for assignment on May 15.

On Saturday he joined the Angels, his third organization in three weeks.

"We've been living out of a suitcase for too long now," Nelson said.

At least something familiar awaited Nelson when he got a locker and a number 8 Angels jersey on Sunday. Chris Iannetta, the Angels' catcher who was part of the Rockies' 2004 draft class along with Nelson, had a locker across the room.

With the Rockies, Nelson went from a legitimate pitching prospect, to an infield prospect, to a major-league .300 hitter and finally to a backup when 22-year-old Orange County native Nolan Arenado became the starting third baseman.

In 21 games with the Rockies this season, Nelson batted .242 (16 for 66) with no home runs and four RBIs.

"I was with the Rockies nine years ... all through the farm system. It was definitely a surprise," Nelson said.

He figured his time in the Bronx would be short with left fielder Curtis Granderson being activated from the disabled list, and others expected to return to health in the near future. Nelson was right. With the Yankees, he batted 8 for 36 (.222).

With the Angels, he becomes a backup at three or more positions.

"Erick (Aybar) and Alberto Callaspo on the left side are going to play there almost every day and Howie (Kendrick) at second," manager Mike Scioscia said.

"As needed we'll mix him in and try to match him up, and try to get him a rest here and there. He can play a little outfield too."

There's only one problem.

Nelson's car is en route from Denver to New York, where it's scheduled to be delivered on May 30. He estimated it might take another week after that to get the car to Anaheim. Nelson's fiancee and Yorkshire Terrier are at a nearby hotel, but most of his possessions are not.

Playing for three teams in three weeks will do that to a man.

"It's been crazy," Nelson said. "It's just been a whirlwind for me. Hopefully I can be here for a while."

To make room for Nelson on the Angels' roster, Luis Jimenez was optioned to Triple-A Salt Lake.

Injury updates

Jered Weaver is expected to pitch a simulated game at extended spring training on Wednesday, an important step in his recovery from a fractured radius in his left arm.

Kevin Jepsen pitched a scoreless inning for Single-A Inland Empire in his first rehabilitation assignment since straining his right shoulder April 12.

Sean Burnett (left forearm stiffness) reported no pain after playing catch Sunday. He might be activated from the disabled list as early as Tuesday.

Pitcher Ryan Madson will pitch an inning at some point this week for Triple-A Salt Lake. He threw one inning last week for Inland Empire, his first rehab appearance in his recovery from Tommy John surgery.

Also ...

Pitcher Barry Enright cleared waivers and was outrighted to Salt Lake. Enright was designated for assignment Friday. Infielder/outfielder Bill Hall was released from his minor-league contract. Hall was batting .164 with 25 strikeouts in just 85 plate appearances for Salt Lake. Triple-A outfielder Kole Calhoun was activated from the disabled list, less than six weeks after undergoing surgery to repair a fractured hamate bone and two days ahead of schedule.